subject: The Voice Of The Bassoon Is One Of Both Plaintive And Yet At The Same Time Supremely Lyrical [print this page] Some wag once asked the question what is a burning oboe good for to which the lilting reply came back setting fire to a bassoon and clarinet; to one not versed in musical humor one has to pass on that one but it obviously strikes a note (!) with someone out there.
The bassoon as an instrument is a woodwind instrument in the double reed family that typically plays music written in the bass and tenor registers although it can play higher; featuring almost exclusively in chamber, orchestral and concert band genres of music, the roots of the modern instrument which first appeared in its present form lie in antiquity. Many aficionadas and enthusiasts of the instrument compare its dark, reedy timbre to that of a male baritone voice.
Its forerunner, the dulcian, is firmly established in the sixteenth century although its origins are not that well documented, and indeed the two instruments, while being different in many ways also have several similarities, not least the double reed fitted to a metal crook, obliquely drilled tone holes, and a conical bore that doubles back on itself. The dulcian however was more a primitive instrument compared to the modern bassoon; with only eight finger holes and two keys, it is an indication that the dulcian could only be played and manipulated in a limited number of key signatures.
It wasnt until the nineteenth century with vastly improvedmanufacturing techniques and tools that major advancements were made not just in the finished instruments but also in the clarity of tone, and of course larger concert halls requiring greater volume and the rise of virtuoso composers and performers spurred on further refinement; indeed, if at all an instrument at the peak of its prowess could be improved upon.
Although it is true to say that the instrument of the modern era has made many strides forward and is an essential element of chamber, orchestral and concert band genres of music, it has rarely been used in modern music genres such as rock, jazz, soul or rhythm and blues to mention a mere few. The bassoon is perhaps the most difficult of woodwind instruments to learn, and combined with the cost of a quality instrument, it isn't for the faint hearted.
More information concerning where to buy a bassoon and any number of accessories as well as many other instruments, mouth pieces, reeds, carrying cases and more, log on to the website of MM Imports, a one stop shop for budding or established musicians, the address of which is http://www.mmimports.com/xcart/bassoon.
